§ 15. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the average annual number of deer destroyed by the Forestry Commission since 1951; and what method is used.
Mr. AmoryThe average number of deer destroyed by the Forestry Commission annually from 1951 to 1956 was about 3,800. The usual method is shooting.
§ Mr. LiptonWill the right hon. Gentleman advise the supporters of the Devon and Somerset Stag Hunt to adopt the less revolting methods of the Forestry Commission, which at least does not pretend that the deer enjoy being hunted?
Mr. AmoryNo, I do not think that I could do that. The conditions applying in the Devon and Somerset hunting country and in the Forestry Commission's plantations are considerably different.